In the late eighteenth century, Lancaster Road (now the original Route 30) became a major transportation route between Philadelphia and the west, and what is now Route 100 was a regional north-south route to Pottstown from Wilmington, Delaware. The intersection of both eventually became known as “Exton Crossroads.”
More recently the area was home to local favorites the Guernsey Cow (hand-made ice cream), the orange-roofed Howard Johnson (crab fingers) and the popular Exton Drive-In Theater (popcorn and wieners)—all long gone but never forgotten.
Exton is now filled with the bustling Exton Square Mall, authentic pizzerias like Snap Custom Pizza and Rino’s, international fare including Devi Indian and Han Dynasty, modern bistros like Red Star Craft House and even a few craft beer meccas such as The Pourhouse and Drafting Room.
But Exton has also continued to maintain much of its rich history and charm. Tour our list of dining venues that include fieldstone, random-width wood floors and original large hearth fireplaces and evoke a sense of classic elegance, romance and possibly even a ghost story or two.
Vickers Restaurant
Located in the original 1823 stone farmhouse purchased by potter and fervent abolitionist John Vickers, this restaurant is the perfect location for a small, intimate dinner or private dining for a favorite party of 10.
Enjoy tableside dining with an exquisite menu that includes duck pâté covered in bacon, smoked salmon, escargots de Bourgogne and the famous Vickers crab cakes. Try a glass or two of vino from the extensive wine list or a signature cocktail at the historic bar and have coffee and dessert out on the charming patio. Enjoy live piano (including jazz) every Friday and Saturday. 192 E. Welsh Pool Rd., Exton, (610) 363-7998
Duling-Kurtz House and Restaurant
The original stone building rests on the grounds that were part of a land grant from William Penn in 1683. Duling-Kurtz is named for Edith Duling Carr and Lena Kurtz Knauer, mothers of founders Raymond H. Carr and David J. Knauer. Built in 1830, the inn serves as one of the area’s fine dining establishments and bed and breakfast.
Offered in eight dining rooms of authentic antiques and romantic charm overlooking well-tended gardens and landscaped grounds, the upscale menu includes escargots de Vienne, baked French brie and pan-seared alligator to start. Elevated entrees include lobster crepes, oven-braised pheasant and lemon grass pepper-glazed short ribs with pomme puree, root vegetables and sweet & spicy pineapple demi. Pair your selections with something from the extensive wine, signature cocktail and craft beer list. Open 7 days. Live music on Fridays from 6–9 p.m. 146 S. Whitford Rd., Exton, (610) 524-1830
Ship Inn
Founded in 1794 by John Bowen, the Ship Inn (whose name has never changed) was a popular layover stop for travelers heading from Philadelphia to the farmland of Lancaster. The ship was used to identify the popular tavern to those who could not read.
The menu is straightforward with a touch of classic flair. Begin with old country onion and sliced steak soup, a grilled filet mignon or steak Diane in one of the more traditional stone-walled or elegant wallpapered dining rooms with Queen Anne chairs and fireplaces. Or grab a roasted beet salad and a crab cake sandwich in the casual floor-to-ceiling windowed Grill Room. Be sure to try a cocktail or craft beer with onion rings outside on the landscaped patio. Open 7 days. Live music on Fridays from 7:30–10:30 p.m. 693 E. Lincoln Hwy., Exton, (610) 363-7200
Eagle Tavern
A tad north of Exton and located at what was once a sleepy village off of Pottstown Pike, this historic venue has been through many changes, including several owners and even a fire. Although the stone in the front of the building reads 1859, the first liquor license was actually granted in 1727.
Touting an updated menu that highlights the best in poultry, pork and pasta in addition to seafood and aged steaks, this dining spot has no trouble keeping up with the growing Eagle area. Nightly dinner specials include the don’t-miss twin lobster tails Thursday. 123 Pottstown Pike, Chester Springs, (610) 458-5331
White Horse Tavern and Wine Bar
Just to the east of Exton, the original farmhouse built in 1715 continues to radiate colonial ambience in the recently remodeled interior with a stone fireplace and wood plank floors. The focus here is on farm-to-table dining with a seasonal menu that includes “free bird farms” roasted chicken, local grass-fed short ribs and cioppino.
Relax in the contemporary outdoor terrace with one of many local or international wines or signature cocktails. The restaurant is open 7 days and includes happy hour snacks and drink specials. 707 Lancaster Ave., Frazer, (610) 280-2580
- Featured, Vickers & White Horse photos: Alexandra Whitney Photography
- Ship Inn photo: Ship Inn
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